Recent rainfall helps water quality and livestock health

Just like humans, in the summer heat, cattle need more water. Low water levels can have serious health implications for livestock.

Rancher Jeremy Fast said last year’s low amount of rain impacted pregnancy rates in his cattle.

These cattle are beating the summer heat with automated wells to ensure access to water at all times.

“Frankly, I’m surprised at how good they are. And the hay crop looks fantastic too. Last spring, we didn’t get any rain. It went from cold winter to hot summer. Before we started getting rains, in this grass just didn’t come,” said Fast.

He said his dugouts are overflowing, and last year, some ranchers had issues with low water supplies.

“But that stagnant water can really have a terrible bad effect on cattle. You get blue-green algae in there, and there’s all kinds of diseases that can be spread that way. This way I don’t worry about it,” said Fast.

He said when water levels decrease, it can impact cattle’s body temperature regulation and affect weight and the animals’ overall quality of life.

Fast said his cattle used to have to walk over a mile for water, and it is essential to have water for them at all times with these wells.

“I still have a couple of dams in a couple of pastures, and they’re running over, they’re full, which is really what I wanted to see. But also in those pastures, I have a well or another source of water,” said Fast.